2014年6月13日星期五

Yahoo! News: World News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Yahoo! News: World News


Iraqi military breakdown fueled by corruption, politics

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 01:56 PM PDT

Fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) celebrate on vehicles taken from Iraqi security forces, at a street in city of MosulBy Ned Parker and Missy Ryan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Iraqi army that disintegrated under an onslaught by Islamist fighters this week was a hollow force, riven by corruption, poor leadership and sectarian splits - a shadow of the military Washington had hoped to leave in the war-ravaged country. The United States dismantled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's military after invading in 2003 and spent $20 billion to build up a new 800,000-strong force, banking on its ability to keep the peace when the U.S. military withdrew in 2011. While the 2003 decision to disband Iraq's army led to a bloody civil war, Iraqi forces were seen as generally competent by 2011 and sectarian fighting had eased, giving U.S. President Barack Obama some confidence as he pulled out all American forces. The Iraqi force has also been heavily politicized under Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, said Retired Lieutenant General Jim Dubik, who led the U.S. and NATO effort to train Iraqi forces from 2007 to 2008.


Ukrainian forces reclaim port city from rebels

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT

By Aleksandar Vasovic MARIUPOL Ukraine (Reuters) - The Ukrainian flag fluttered over the regional government headquarters in the strategic port city of Mariupol on Friday after government forces reclaimed the city from pro-Russian separatists in heavy fighting and said they had regained control of a long stretch of the border with Russia. The advances are significant victories for the pro-European leadership in a military operation to crush the rebellion, which began in east Ukraine in April, and hold the country together. Parallel peace moves are moving slowly, however, and Russia is threatening to cut gas supplies to Ukraine from Monday in a row over prices.

Obama sticks to measured approach on Iraq, defying critics

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT

U.S. President Obama speaks about the situation in Iraq at the White HouseBy Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When Barack Obama ran for president in 2008, he built his reputation as an anti-war candidate by disparaging U.S. involvement in Iraq, adamantly insisting: "It's time to end this war." Now, with Iraq's U.S.-backed government under its most serious threat since President Obama pulled out the last U.S. troops in 2011, he is being forced to consider what had previously seemed unthinkable - resorting to military force there again.


China says will never send military to oil rig spat with Vietnam

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:02 PM PDT

By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese official said on Friday that China will never send military forces to the scene of an increasingly ugly spat with Vietnam over an oil rig in the South China Sea and accused Hanoi of trying to force an international lawsuit. A senior U.S. official in Washington dismissed the Chinese statement as "patently ridiculous" and said Beijing had been using air force and navy as well as coastguard assets "to intimidate others." Scores of Vietnamese and Chinese ships, including coastguard vessels, have squared off around the rig despite a series of collisions after the Chinese platform was towed into disputed waters in early May. Vietnam has accused China of sending six warships, but Yi Xianliang, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, said that Beijing had never sent military forces.

Afghans head to polls again in final test as Taliban threats loom

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 02:09 PM PDT

Afghan election commission workers move ballot boxes and election material in a warehouse in KabulBy Jessica Donati and Praveen Menon KABUL (Reuters) - Afghans head to the polls on Saturday for a second round of voting to elect a successor to President Hamid Karzai in a decisive test of Afghanistan's ambitions to transfer power democratically for the first time in its tumultuous history. The vote pits former anti-Taliban fighter Abdullah Abdullah against ex-World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani after neither secured the 50 percent majority needed to win outright in the first round on April 5. As most foreign troops leave by the end of 2014, whoever takes over from Karzai will inherit a troubled country with an increasingly violent Taliban insurgency and an economy crippled by corruption and the weak rule of law. The process has been fraught with accusations of fraud by both candidates and many fear a close outcome will make it less likely the loser will accept defeat, possibly dragging Afghanistan into a risky and protracted stand-off over the vote.


Thailand's junta lifts curfew throughout country

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:16 PM PDT

Thailand's Army commander Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, left, arrives at the Royal Thai Army Club in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, June 13, 2014. The head of Thailand's military junta said Friday that an interim government would be set up by September, offering the most specific timeline yet on a possible transfer of power after last month's coup. (AP Photo/ASTV Manager newspaper) THAILAND OUTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military government announced that it has fully lifted a nationwide curfew it imposed after seizing power last month, saying there is no threat of violence and that tourism needs to be revived.


Jimmy Scott, jazzman with ethereal voice, dies

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:12 PM PDT

FILE - In this Friday, June 18, 2004 file photo, Jazz legend Jimmy Scott poses for a portrait at his home in Euclid, Ohio. Scott, a jazzman with an ethereal man-child voice who found success late in life with the Grammy-nominated "All the Way,"died on Friday, June 13, 2014. He was 88. (AP Photo/Jamie-Andrea Yanak)LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jimmy Scott, a jazzman with an ethereal man-child voice who found success late in life with the Grammy-nominated "All the Way," has died. He was 88.


Rimando appreciates World Cup in spite of role

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:07 PM PDT

United States' goalkeeper Nick Rimando makes a save during a training session at the Sao Paulo FC training center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The U.S. will play in group G of the 2014 soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)SAO PAULO (AP) — One day when Nick Rimando was at World Cup training camp last month in Northern California, his two children opened a lemonade stand back home in Salt Lake City to support their father and U.S. soccer.


Chile beats Australia 3-1 in World Cup

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:06 PM PDT

Chile's Mauricio Isla (4) watches as Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the first half of the group B World Cup soccer match between Chile and Australia in the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)CUIABA, Brazil (AP) — Alexis Sanchez produced a dynamic performance to lead Chile to a 3-1 win over Australia in the World Cup on Friday, scoring one goal and setting up another for one of the dangerous outsiders in the tournament.


Ukrainian troops drive rebels out of Mariupol

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:19 PM PDT

Local citizens gather around a burning military vehicle at a site of a battle between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian fighters in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, Friday, June 13, 2014. Ukraine's interior minister says that government troops have attacked pro-Russian separatists in the southern port of Mariupol. Arsen Avakov said Friday that four government troops were wounded as forces retook buildings occupied by the rebels in the center of the town. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)MARIUPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian troops and pro-Russia separatists clashed Friday in a southern port town, as the United States confirmed earlier reports that a convoy of armored vehicles including three T-64 Russian tanks moved into Ukraine from Russia and now are in the hands of the rebels.


Dutch dazzle World Cup with great win over Spain

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT

Netherlands' Robin van Persie scores a goal during the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)SAO PAULO (AP) — When no one expected it, the Dutch turned on the style with a barrage of spectacular World Cup goals and a 5-1 victory on Friday that totally humiliated defending champion Spain.


Army: Bergdahl 'looked good' after returning to US

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:15 PM PDT

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — In the moments after Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl arrived back in the United States following five years of captivity by the Taliban, he was nervous but "looked good" and saluted a commanding officer who welcomed him home, military officials said Friday.

Feds: Drunk honeymooner punched flight attendant

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:42 PM PDT

HONOLULU (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a drunken passenger assaulted a flight attendant while flying from Japan to Honolulu.

Biden talks Iraq with Turkish PM; 2nd time in days

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:32 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden has discussed the growing insurgency in Iraq with Turkey's leader for the second time in three days.

Athlete from Fiji killed in Northern California

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:27 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — A runner from Fiji was killed in a gang shooting in Northern California just weeks before he was set to attend the University of Louisiana, friends and authorities said.

BRAZIL BEAT: Excitable subway announcements in Rio

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT

A youth waves a Brazilian national flag on a rooftop in the Mangueira slum, backdropped by Maracana Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014, as he waits for the broadcast of the World Cup opening match between Brazil and Croatia. Brazil won Croatia 3-1. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — As the subway begins to slow, the next stop is announced as if it were a game-winning goal.


Deep underground, water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT

A Schematic cross section of the Earth's interior is pictured in this undated handout illustration"It may equal or perhaps be larger than the amount of water in the oceans," Northwestern University geophysicist Steve Jacobsen said in a telephone interview. "It alters our thoughts about the composition of the Earth." "It's no longer liquid water that we're talking about at these great depths.


Martin Kaymer sets US Open record at Pinehurst

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT

Martin Kaymer, of Germany, reacts to his missed birdie on the 17th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament in Pinehurst, N.C., Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Martin Kaymer is playing a brand of golf rarely seen in the U.S. Open. It might even be enough for soccer-mad Germany to pay attention.


Spain defense implodes in heaviest loss since '50

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:14 PM PDT

Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas wipes his face after being scored on for the fourth time during the second half of the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) — Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas crawled and scrambled in vain, Gerard Pique was beaten for pace and Sergio Ramos made a series of blunders.


U.S. says Russia sends tanks, rocket launchers into Ukraine

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT

Russia has sent tanks, heavy weapons and rocket launchers to Ukraine in recent days in support of separatists in the east of the country, the U.S. State Department said on Friday. The confirmation by the United States of reports that Russian tanks had crossed the border into Ukraine is likely to deepen strains with Moscow. "We assess that separatists in eastern Ukraine have acquired heavy weapons and military equipment from Russia, including Russian tanks and multiple rocket launchers," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

One killed, several wounded in Zanzibar bombing

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:05 PM PDT

Locals look at newspaper headlines in Stone Town on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar on August 9, 2013Zanzibar (Tanzania) (AFP) - One person was killed and several others were wounded in a bomb attack near a mosque on Tanzania's Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar on Friday, police said. Police said the bomb went off in the Daranjani commercial district of Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed historical centre of the semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago, at around 8:15 pm (1715 GMT). We ask people to help provide information," senior police official Mkadam Khamis told AFP. The attack coincided with the opening of the Zanzibar International Film Festival, which has drawn a number of international visitors, and bars and restaurants have also been packed with people watching World Cup matches.


Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:02 PM PDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghans choose a new president Saturday in a runoff election between two candidates who both promise to improve ties with the West, combat corruption and guide the nation with a steadier hand than outgoing leader Hamid Karzai. The Taliban, who have intensified attacks ahead of the vote, issued a new warning to stay away from the polls. Afghan troops stepped up security sharply, erecting more checkpoints, searching cars and banning trucks from the streets of the capital, Kabul.

Brazil police detain 11 in World Cup city

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:59 PM PDT

A press photographer helps a Brazil soccer fan affected by tear gas when she got caught up in clashes between police and protesters while trying to reach the stadium for the opening World Cup soccer game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Brazilian police clashed with anti-World Cup protesters trying to block part of the main highway leading to the stadium that was hosting the opening match between Brazil and Croatia. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian police say 11 protesters were detained in the northeastern city of Salvador during a small protest against the World Cup soccer tournament.


Netherlands thrashes Spain 5-1 in World Cup opener

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:50 PM PDT

Netherlands' Robin van Persie celebrates after his scoring his side's fourth goal during the second half of the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) — The Netherlands thrashed the world champions 5-1 Friday in the World Cup's first shocker, toying with an aging Spanish team that has dominated global football for the past six years and avenging a loss in the 2010 final.


Chile leads Australia 2-1 at halftime in World Cup

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:48 PM PDT

Chile's Mauricio Isla (4) watches as Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the first half of the group B World Cup soccer match between Chile and Australia in the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)CUIABA, Brazil (AP) — Alexis Sanchez scored one goal and set up another to help Chile take a 2-1 lead at halftime of its opening Group B match against Australia in the World Cup on Friday.


Loss of Mosul threatens Iraqi PM's hold on power

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:47 PM PDT

FILE - In this file photo taken Wednesday, April 30, 2014, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki prepares to casts his vote at a polling station in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. The disastrous loss of a large swath of the north and two cities to Islamic militants is threatening s to cost Iraq's prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, a third term in office as his longtime Shiite backers turn against him and seek an alternative. (AP Photo, File)BAGHDAD (AP) — Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's botched policies and "obsession with power" are quickly eroding his support even among longtime Shiite backers, politicians here say, as the Iraqi leader moved Friday to try to repair his shattered image after the disastrous loss of the north to Islamic militants.


Britain honours Gatland, Sochi golden girl

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:36 PM PDT

Wales Rugby coach Warren Gatland attends a team training session on June 12, 2014 in DurbanWales rugby union coach Warren Gatland and Lizzy Yarnold, Britain's only Sochi Winter Olympics gold medallist, headed the sports stars in Queen Elizabeth II's birthday honours list out Friday. Stars from cricket, rugby league and motor racing were among those made commanders (CBE), officers (OBE) or members (MBE) of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in honours marking the sovereign's 88th birthday, officially celebrated on Saturday. Gatland, who last year guided the British and Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia and Wales to the Six Nations title, was made an OBE.


Top Asian News at 10:30 p.m. GMT

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:33 PM PDT

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghans choose a new president Saturday in a runoff election between two candidates who both promise to improve ties with the West, combat corruption and guide the nation with a steadier hand than outgoing leader Hamid Karzai. The Taliban, who have intensified attacks ahead of the vote, issued a new warning to stay away from the polls. Afghan troops stepped up security sharply, erecting more checkpoints, searching cars and banning trucks from the streets of the capital, Kabul.

BRAZIL BEAT: Intruders on pitch at France training

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:31 PM PDT

Cyril Praud, physical therapist for French team, runs after a soccer fan storming the pitch at the end of a training session at the Santa Cruz Stadium, in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. France will play in group E of the 2014 Brazil soccer World Cup. (AP Photo/David Vincent)RIBEIRAO PRETO, Brazil (AP) — Two youths ran onto the pitch toward the end of France's World Cup training session Friday — one of them because he wanted to kiss striker Karim Benzema's foot.


Gerrard puts slip behind him to lead England

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:29 PM PDT

England's manager Roy Hodgson, left, and captain Steven Gerrard look at the quality of the pitch at the start of a training session of the England national soccer team at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. England play Italy in group D of the 2014 soccer World Cup at the stadium on Saturday. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — Many footballers would struggle to recover from a lapse that cost his team the league title. After a difficult few weeks, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's mind is clear of the anguish and ready to lead England at the World Cup.


Mariupol a city of mixed emotions after rebels routed

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:21 PM PDT

A man sits in the front of headquarters of separatist militias of self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol on June 13, 2014Mariupol (Ukraine) (AFP) - Inside the grand pre-revolutionary mansion that had served as a barracks for separatist fighters in Mariupol, a full bowl of soup still lying on the table gave an indication of the haste with which they had left. We hope that it's already the end."


Ivanovic closer to conquering grass

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:21 PM PDT

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, who admits to a dislike of competing on grass, moved within one win of her first final on the surface with her third confident victory in a row at the Aegon Classic on Friday.

Obama weighs U.S. action in Iraq but rules out combat troops

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:21 PM PDT

By Roberta Rampton and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Friday he needs several days to determine how the United States will help Iraq deal with a militant insurgency, but he ruled out sending U.S. troops back into combat and said any intervention would be contingent on Iraqi leaders becoming more involved. The Pentagon is preparing a range of options for Obama, including air strikes. The actions are aimed at helping Iraq counter militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, a group Obama described as "vicious" and a "terrorist organization" that could eventually pose a threat to Americans. Obama said Iraqi leaders needed to set aside sectarian differences to deal with the threat, and said the United States would engage in "intensive diplomacy" in the region to try to prevent the situation from worsening.

Kurds realize dream as Baghdad loses grip on north Iraq

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:19 PM PDT

Poets wrote songs about it for generations. But in the end, when a Kurdish army finally took control of Kirkuk, they realized the dream of their forefathers within hours, without having to fire a shot. The collapse of Baghdad's control of northern Iraq in the face of an onslaught by Sunni insurgents has allowed Kurds to take the historic capital they regard as their Jerusalem, and suddenly put them closer than ever to their immortal goal: an independent state of their own. After Sunni insurgents from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant seized Iraq's biggest northern city Mosul and rampaged towards the capital Baghdad, Kurdish fighters wasted no time in mobilizing.

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